About the song
“Amarillo by Morning” is a country music classic that has resonated with listeners for decades. Originally written by Terry Stafford and Paul Fraser, the song found initial success in a 1973 recording by Stafford himself. However, it was George Strait’s now-iconic 1982 rendition that truly cemented the song’s place in country music history.
The song paints a vivid picture of a rodeo cowboy on a late-night drive from San Antonio to Amarillo, Texas, for a county fair the next day. Straining lyrics detail the toll this nomadic lifestyle takes on the narrator, from broken bones and a broken marriage to financial hardship. Despite these struggles, there’s a sense of freedom and determination in his voice. The line “I ain’t rich/ But Lord, I’m free” perfectly captures the cowboy’s spirit, highlighting the value he places on his independence over material possessions.
Strait’s version, with its driving fiddle melody and signature Texas sound, brought a renewed energy to the song. It became one of his most recognizable hits, peaking at #4 on the Billboard Country chart and earning a place among the most revered country songs ever written. “Amarillo by Morning” has been covered by numerous artists, further solidifying its status as a country music staple.
The song’s legacy extends beyond the music industry. It’s regularly played at rodeos, a fitting tribute to the world it portrays. “Amarillo by Morning” has even been recognized by organizations like the Western Writers of America and Country Music Television, solidifying its place as a true cultural touchstone.
Whether it’s the evocative lyrics, the powerful melody, or the enduring spirit of the cowboy, “Amarillo by Morning” continues to captivate audiences. So next time you hear this classic track, take a moment to appreciate the journey it’s taken, from a late-night drive through Texas to a permanent place in the heart of country music.
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Lyrics
Amarillo by mornin’
Up from San Antone
Everything that I got
Is just what I’ve got on
When that Sun is high
In that Texas sky
I’ll be buckin’ at the county fair
Amarillo by mornin’
Amarillo I’ll be there
They took my saddle in Houston
Broke my leg in Santa Fe
Lost my wife and a girlfriend
Somewhere along the way
But I’ll be lookin’ for eight
When they pull that gate
And I hope that
Judge ain’t blind
Amarillo by mornin’
Amarillo’s on my mind
Amarillo by mornin’
Up from San Antone
Everything that I got
Is just what I’ve got on
I ain’t got a dime
But what I’ve got is mine
I ain’t rich
But Lord, I’m free
Amarillo by mornin’
Amarillo’s where I’ll be
Amarillo by mornin’
Amarillo’s where I’ll be